As the streets of downtown Burlington, Vermont, continue to chill, preparations for Magic Hat Brewing Company’s 20th Annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend are just heating up. The party, which has been named one of Vermont’s Top 10 Winter Events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, is slated for Friday, February 27- Sunday, March 1. Proceeds from the event benefit the Vermont Foodbank.

Amid cold temps, action-packed weekend offers plenty to see and do

Although February in Vermont is typically met with snowy cold temps, thousands of bead-seeking, chocolate catching Mardi Gras revelers won’t be deterred. In addition to drinking delicious offerings by Magic Hat, such as #9, Dream Machine, Single Chair and Big Hundo, highlights of the weekend include:

Mardi Gras Friday, Feb. 27:

8:00 PM:  Sold out kickoff concert at Higher Ground in South Burlington, featuring gypsy punk rockers, Gogol Bordello.

Mardi Gras Saturday, Feb. 28:

Noon: NEW! Winter Bazaar in City Hall Park featuring local food and arts; Performers from the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus roam Church St.; Interactive Photo Booth on Church St.; Sambatucada performs in front of City Hall

1 p.m.: The King & Queen of Mardi Gras Costume Contest determines the leaders of the Grand Parade. Takes place on City Hall Park stage and is free and open to all

Magic Hat Brewing1:30 p.m.: Grippo Funk Band on City Hall Park stage

1:45 p.m.: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus performs along Church St.

2 p.m.: Sambatucada plays Brazilian beats in front of City Hall

3 p.m.: Grand Parade begins down Main Street. Watch for a flotilla of festive floats!

4 p.m.:  Encore performance from Grippo Funk Band on City Hall Park stage

About The Grand Parade on Feb. 28

Saturday’s 3 p.m. Grand Parade will wind down Main Street, starting at the intersection of South Winooski Ave., ending at the Burlington waterfront. Beads, moonpies, Lake Champlain Chocolates and more will be thrown from floats created by local businesses. Magic Hat’s latest rolling creation will bring up the rear featuring a grand surprise. After the spectacle, local bars will be bumping for a lively night of amazing music and warm bar stools.

Mardi Gras Sunday, March 1:

Starting at 12:00 PM Tours of the Magic Hat Artifactory, named to USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Brewery Tour. Featured beers on tap include: #9, Circus Boy, Single Chair, Dream Machine, Big Hundo, and a few surprises!

The party of parties benefits a great cause

Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend is a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for the Vermont Foodbank. Those looking to add flair to their winter dress may purchase beads and masks at local shops and stands along Church Street and City Hall Park, with proceeds benefitting the Vermont Foodbank. Over nearly two decades, Magic Hat Mardi Gras weekend has raised more than $225,000 for local non-profits.

Each year, the Foodbank and its network of food shelves and meal sites throughout Vermont serve 153,000 people in need of emergency food assistance.

Magic Hat Mardi Gras

The 2015 Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade is presented by 99.9 The Buzz and, 106.7 WIZN and Seven Days, with additional support from Hilton Burlington, ArborTrek Canopy Adventures, YELP, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Lake Champlain Chocolates and Cabot Creamery Cooperative.

Experience a Performance in Every Bottle with the Magic Hat Brewing Company & Performing Arts Center, creators of #9, Dream Machine, Circus Boy, and a revolving roster of seasonal selections.

Learn more about the 20th Annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras.